Payment system, processing execution method, and program

Abstract

To increase flexibility of a settlement service.SOLUTION: A charge execution part (101) of a settlement system (1) executes charge to settlement means available in a settlement service. A charge information acquisition part (105) acquires charge information on the charge. A processing execution part (106) executes processing corresponding to the charge information when the settlement based on the settlement means is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a payment system, a processing execution method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, payment services that can use various payment means have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for determining whether electronic money that has been illegally charged to a terminal device to be deactivated is based on the identification information of the terminal device that has been charged with the electronic money, and preventing the illegal use of the electronic money. Patent Document 2 describes a technique for executing a remittance according to the type of electronic value of the rechargeable electronic value. Patent Document 3 describes a technique for withdrawing only the amount of cash deposited from a voting account that accepts deposits in cash or points.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the payment service as described above, when a payment based on a payment means is executed, it is considered that a more flexible payment service can be provided if a process according to some information regarding the recharge of the payment means can be executed. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as recharge information. For example, the identification information of Patent Document 1 is considered to be an example of recharge information. The process of determining whether the electronic money has been illegally charged to the terminal device to be deactivated in Patent Document 1 is considered to be an example of a process according to recharge information.

[0005] However, since the technology of Patent Document 1 aims to prevent the unauthorized use of electronic money, it assumes the processing before the execution of the settlement, and it is not assumed to execute the processing according to the charge information when the settlement is executed (after the execution of the settlement). Similarly to Patent Document 1, Patent Documents 2 and 3 also do not describe executing the processing according to the charge information when the settlement is executed. Therefore, the conventional technology could not sufficiently enhance the flexibility of the settlement service.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to enhance the flexibility of the settlement service.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The settlement system according to the present disclosure includes a charge execution unit that executes a charge related to a settlement means available in the settlement service, a charge information acquisition unit that acquires charge information related to the charge, and a processing execution unit that executes processing according to the charge information when a settlement based on the settlement means is executed.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the flexibility of the settlement service is enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [1. Overall Configuration of Payment System] An example of an embodiment of the payment system according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the payment system. For example, the payment system 1 includes an electronic money server 10, a user terminal 20, a first store terminal 30, and a second store terminal 40. Each of the electronic money server 10, the user terminal 20, the first store terminal 30, and the second store terminal 40 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0011] The electronic money server 10 is a server computer of a settlement service provider. The settlement service provider is a provider that offers settlement services. The settlement services are services related to electronic payment (cashless payment). For example, the electronic money server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0012] The user terminal 20 is a computer of a user. In this embodiment, the end user of the settlement service, rather than a franchise store of the settlement service, is described as the user. For example, the user terminal 20 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a personal computer. For example, the user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25. The physical configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel or a mouse. The display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0013] The first store terminal 30 is a computer of the first store. The first store is a franchise store of the settlement service. For example, the first store terminal 30 is a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, a charging machine, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), a vending machine, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. In FIG. 1, only one first store terminal 30 is shown, but there may be a plurality of first store terminals 30 in the first store. In this embodiment, one first store is taken as an example, but there may be a plurality of first stores.

[0014] For example, the first store terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The physical configurations of the control unit 31, the memory unit 32, the communication unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the display unit 35 may be similar to those of the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25, respectively. In this embodiment, a first reading device 36 is connected to the first store terminal 30. The first reading device 36 is a device capable of reading an image or an information storage medium. For example, the first reading device 36 is a code reader, a camera, a scanner, a card reader, an IC chip reader, or a reader / writer. The first reading device 36 may be incorporated inside the first store terminal 30.

[0015] The second store terminal 40 is a computer of the second store. The second store is a store that is a member of the payment service and is different from the first store. In this embodiment, a case is described in which the first operating company that operates the first store and the second operating company that operates the second store are different, but the first store and the second store may be operated by the same operating company. For example, the second store terminal 40 is a POS terminal, a charging machine, an ATM, a vending machine, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. Although only one second store terminal 40 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple second store terminals 40 may exist in the second store. In this embodiment, one second store is used as an example, but multiple second stores may exist.

[0016] For example, the second store terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a memory unit 42, a communication unit 43, an operation unit 44, and a display unit 45. The physical configurations of the control unit 41, the memory unit 42, the communication unit 43, the operation unit 44, and the display unit 45 may be similar to those of the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 24, and the display unit 25, respectively. In this embodiment, a second reading device 46 is connected to the second store terminal 40. The physical configuration of the second reading device 46 may be similar to that of the first reading device 36. The second reading device 46 may be incorporated inside the second store terminal 40.

[0017] Note that the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, 32, and 42 may be supplied via the network N. Also, a program stored in a computer-readable information storage medium may be supplied via a reading unit (e.g., an optical disk drive or a memory card slot) that reads the information storage medium, or via an input / output unit (e.g., a USB port) for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device.

[0018] Also, the settlement system 1 may include at least one computer and is not limited to the example in FIG. 1. For example, the settlement system 1 may include only the electronic money server 10 without including the user terminal 20, the first store terminal 30, and the second store terminal 40. In this case, the user terminal 20, the first store terminal 30, and the second store terminal 40 exist outside the settlement system 1. The settlement system 1 may include the electronic money server 10 and another server computer.

[0019] [2. Outline of the Settlement System] In this embodiment, a case where a rechargeable settlement means is used in a settlement service is taken as an example. Recharge means increasing the balance of the settlement means. Further, as an example of the settlement means, electronic money is described. Therefore, the parts describing electronic money can be read as the settlement means. The settlement means may be of any type and is not limited to electronic money. For example, the settlement means may be points, an account, or a wallet. The settlement means may also be called a payment means that takes a prepaid payment means as an example.

[0020] Furthermore, as an example of electronic money, online-type electronic money is described. Electronic money may be of any type and is not limited to online-type electronic money. For example, electronic money may be of a type that uses an IC card, a type that uses an IC chip of the user terminal 20, a type that uses a magnetic card, a type that uses wireless communication such as NFC, or a type that does not require a storage medium such as the user terminal 20 or a card (e.g., a type that is completed only by biometric authentication or a type that is completed by biometric authentication and a password).

[0021] Online-type electronic money is electronic money that can be used in online services such as e-commerce services or travel reservation services. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the online-type electronic money can also be used in physical stores. For example, a user uses online-type electronic money by displaying a code on a settlement service provider app installed on the user terminal 20. The settlement service provider app is an application provided by a settlement service provider. Hereinafter, the online-type electronic money is simply referred to as electronic money.

[0022] In this embodiment, it is assumed that an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) contract regarding settlement services is concluded between the settlement service provider and the first operating company. For example, the settlement service provider develops a first store app distributed in the name of the first operating company by diverting the settlement service provider app. In the first store app, it is assumed that the original electronic money of the first operating company cannot be used, but the electronic money of the settlement service provider can be used. It is assumed that no OEM contract is concluded between the settlement service provider and the second operating company.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20. In the example of FIG. 2, it is assumed that both the settlement service provider app and the first store app are installed on the user terminal 20. For example, when the user terminal 20 is activated, the home screen SC1 of the user terminal 20 itself is displayed. On the home screen SC1, an icon I10 of the settlement service provider app and an icon I11 of the first store app are displayed. When the user selects the icon I10, the settlement service provider app is activated and the home screen SC2 of the settlement service provider app is displayed. On the home screen SC2, balance information I20 indicating the balance of the electronic money, a code C21 for using the electronic money, and a button B22 for executing a charge are displayed.

[0024] For example, in code C21, a code ID that can identify a user (in the example of FIG. 2, a 16-digit numerical value such as "1111535424256321") is encoded. When the code C21 is read by the first reading device 36 or the second reading device 46, the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40 transmits a settlement request including the code ID to the electronic money server 10. The settlement request is data in a predetermined format indicating a request for settlement. When the electronic money server 10 receives the settlement request, it executes a settlement based on the electronic money. The settlement itself can utilize known methods.

[0025] For example, when the user selects button B22, a charge screen SC3 for executing a charge is displayed. The user inputs a charge amount in the input field F30. The charge amount is the increased amount of the balance. The user selects a charging means from button B31. The charging means is a settlement means used for charging. In the example of FIG. 2, the charging means is any one of a credit card, the sales amount of an online free market, or a cryptocurrency. When the user selects button B32, the charge is executed and a completion screen SC4 indicating the completion of the charge is displayed. The charge itself can utilize known methods.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 2, a charge of 2,000 yen is executed with a credit card. For example, when the user selects button B40, the user returns to the home screen SC2 of the settlement service provider application. In this case, the balance information I20 on the home screen SC2 indicates the latest balance "2,000". The user can use 2,000 yen, which is the amount of the charge for the charge executed from the settlement service provider application.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of how the amount of the charge executed from the settlement service provider application is used from the settlement service provider application. For example, when the user purchases a product at the first store, the user presents the home screen SC2 to the store clerk at the first store. When the store clerk reads the code C21 with the first reading device 36, the settlement is executed so that the balance of the electronic money decreases by the amount of the usage. The settlement at the second store is also executed in the same flow.

[0028] In this embodiment, a fee is incurred for the operating company of the franchise store that uses electronic money. The fee may be a fixed amount regardless of the usage amount, but in this embodiment, it is assumed to be an amount corresponding to the usage amount. In the example of FIG. 3, for the first operating company, a fee is incurred for N (where N is an arbitrary positive number)% of the usage amount at the first store. Similarly, for the second operating company, a fee is incurred for N% of the usage amount at the second store. In the example of FIG. 3, the fee rate is the same.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of how the charge amount executed from the settlement operator application is used from the first store application. For example, when the user selects the icon I11 from the home screen SC1 of FIG. 2, the first store application is launched and a home screen SC5 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. The home screen SC5 has substantially the same layout as the home screen SC2, but in this embodiment, the home screen SC5 does not include an image corresponding to the button B22 for charging with a credit card or the like.

[0030] In this embodiment, each of the first store terminal 30 and the second store terminal 40 can identify whether it is the settlement operator application or the first store application based on the first four digits of the code ID (a 16-digit numerical value such as "9999245233511234" in the example of FIG. 4). For example, the fact that the first four digits of the code ID are "1111" means that it is the settlement operator application. The fact that the first four digits of the code ID are "9999" means that it is the first store application.

[0031] Note that the first store app may be made unavailable at the second store, but in this embodiment, it is assumed that it can also be used at the second store. As in the modification example described later, the first store app may be configured to switch between a mode for using electronic money at the first store and a mode for using electronic money at the second store. The general flow of settlement using the first store app is the same as that of the payment service provider app. The fact that a fee is incurred when the first store app is used is also the same as that of the payment service provider app. In the example of FIG. 4, the percentage of the fee is the same N% as in FIG. 3.

[0032] In this embodiment, not only the payment service provider app but also the first store allows charging. For example, a user can charge when paying cash at the first store. The amount of cash charged at the first store is added to the common balance together with the amount charged from the payment service provider app. Therefore, the balance of the electronic money may include a charge from the payment service provider app and a charge of cash at the first store.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how charging is executed at the first store. In the example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that charging at the first store is executed after charging is executed in the flow of FIG. 2. For example, the user tells the clerk at the first store that they want to charge the electronic money and hands over the cash. When the clerk receives the cash from the user, the clerk performs the necessary operations for charging from the first store terminal 30. A known method can be used for the charging itself using cash. In the example of FIG. 4, the amount of the charge executed at the first store is 3,000 yen.

[0034] Note that the charging at the first store may be performed using another terminal operated by the user instead of the first store terminal 30 operated by the store clerk. For example, the charging at the first store may be performed using a charging machine arranged at the first store. The charging itself using the charging machine can also utilize known methods. For example, the charging may be performed by photographing the code displayed on the charging machine with the user terminal 20. For example, when the user pays the cash for the charging amount at the first store, the charging may be performed by performing a predetermined operation on the user terminal 20.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the charged amount of the charging performed at the first store is used from the first store app. For example, when the charged amount of the charging performed at the first store is used from the first store app at the first store, the commission for the first operating company is M% (M is a positive number smaller than N or 0) of the usage amount at the first store. In this case, the commission for the first operating company is reduced.

[0036] However, even if the electronic money is used from the first store app at the first store, when the charged amount from the settlement provider app is used, the commission for the use of this charged amount is N%. That is, the commission is not reduced for the charged amount from the settlement provider app. When both the charged amount at the first store and the charged amount from the settlement provider app are used from the first store app at the first store, the commission for the charged amount at the first store is M%, and the commission for the charged amount from the settlement provider app is N%.

[0037] On the other hand, even if it was the charged amount of the charging performed at the first store, when it is used from the first store app at the second store, the commission for the second operating company is N% as usual. In this case, it is assumed that a kickback occurs for the first operating company. The kickback may also be called a rebate. For example, an amount corresponding to the difference between the normal N% commission and the M% commission is kickbacked to the first operating company.

[0038] However, even if electronic money is used from the first store app at the second store, if the charge amount from the payment service provider app is used, no kickback will occur for the use of this charge amount. If both the charge amount at the first store and the charge amount from the payment service provider app are used from the first store app at the second store, a kickback will occur only for the charge amount at the first store, and no kickback will occur for the charge amount from the payment service provider app.

[0039] In this embodiment, when electronic money is used from the first store app in a state where the charge amount of the charge executed from the payment service provider app and the charge amount of the charge executed at the first store are mixed in the balance, the charge amount of the charge executed at the first store is preferentially used. For this reason, merits for the first operating company, such as reduction of fees or kickbacks, are likely to occur. In the example of FIG. 6, out of the balance of "5,000", "3,000", which is the charge amount of the charge executed at the first store, is preferentially used.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the charge amount of the charge executed at the first store is used from the payment service provider app. As shown in FIG. 7, even if the charge amount at the first store is used at the first store, if the payment service provider app is used, the fee will be N% of the usage amount. In this case, the charge amount of the charge executed from the payment service provider app is preferentially used so that it is difficult for the part that brings merits to the first operating company to disappear.

[0041] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store is used from the first store app at the first store, the commission of the first operating company is reduced. Also, the priority of the charged amount used at the time of settlement is determined so that the charged amount that generates a benefit for the first store is less likely to disappear. Further, when the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store is used from the first store app at the second store, a kickback to the first store occurs. These mechanisms enhance the flexibility of the payment service. Hereinafter, the details of the payment system 1 will be described.

[0042] [3. Functions Realized by the Payment System] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions realized by the payment system 1.

[0043] [3-1. Functions Realized by the Electronic Money Server] For example, the electronic money server 10 includes a data storage unit 100, a charge execution unit 101, a payment execution unit 102, an app identification unit 103, a store identification unit 104, a charge information acquisition unit 105, and a process execution unit 106. The data storage unit 100 is realized by the storage unit 12. The charge execution unit 101, the payment execution unit 102, the app identification unit 103, the store identification unit 104, the charge information acquisition unit 105, and the process execution unit 106 are realized by the control unit 11.

[0044] [Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 100 stores data necessary for providing the payment service. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores a user database DB1, a payment database DB2, and a priority data DT. Note that the user database DB1 can also be referred to as an electronic money database in which information related to electronic money is stored.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of user database DB1. As shown in FIG. 9, user database DB1 is a database that stores information about users. For example, user database DB1 stores a user ID, a password, a code ID of the payment service provider app, a code ID of the first store app, an electronic money balance, and charge information. Any information about a user may be stored in user database DB1. The information stored in user database DB1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 9. For example, user database DB1 may store other information such as a credit card used for charging or past payment history.

[0046] The user ID is an example of user identification information that can identify a user. The user identification information may be any information that can identify a user in some way, such as an email address, a telephone number, or a temporary ID. In this embodiment, an example is taken of a case where one user holds one electronic money. Therefore, the user identification information can also be called electronic money identification information that can identify the electronic money. When one user holds multiple electronic money, multiple electronic money identification information is associated with one user ID. The user ID may be an ID shared with other services such as an electronic commerce service or a communication service.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user ID and password are the same for the payment service provider app and the first store app, but the user ID and password may be different for the payment service provider app and the first store app. In this case, the user database DB1 stores a user ID and password for the payment service provider app and a user ID and password for the first store app. These may be stored in separate databases, but are associated with each other so that the user can be identified.

[0048] In this embodiment, not only the user ID but also the code ID is an example of user identification information. For example, when the electronic money server 10 receives a code ID issuance request from the user terminal 20, it issues a new code ID based on a predetermined issuance rule so as not to duplicate other code IDs. The issuance request is data in a predetermined format indicating a request for issuing a code ID. For example, it is assumed that the issuance request includes information indicating from which of the settlement operator app or the first store app it is transmitted. Based on this information, the electronic money server 10 can identify which number range of code IDs should be issued.

[0049] For example, when the electronic money server 10 receives a code ID issuance request from the settlement operator app, it issues a code ID including app identification information that can identify that it is the settlement operator app. In this embodiment, the upper 4 digits "1111" of the code ID correspond to this app identification information. The electronic money server 10 issues a code ID such that the upper 4 digits of the code ID are "1111". The electronic money server 10 transmits the issued code ID to the user terminal 20. The app identification information may be arbitrary information and is not limited to the upper 4 digits of the code ID. For example, the lower 4 digits of the code ID, a part of the 5th to 12th digits of the code ID, or other information not included in the code ID may correspond to the app identification information.

[0050] For example, when the electronic money server 10 receives a code ID issuance request from the first store app, it issues a code ID including app identification information that can identify that it is the first store app. In this embodiment, the upper 4 digits "9999" of the code ID correspond to this app identification information. The electronic money server 10 issues a code ID such that the upper 4 digits of the code ID are "9999". The electronic money server 10 transmits the issued code ID to the user terminal 20. Similar to the app identification information of the settlement operator app, the app identification information of the first store app may be arbitrary information and is not limited to the upper 4 digits of the code ID.

[0051] Note that the code ID may be common between the settlement service provider app and the first store app. In this case, in order to identify which app was used at the first store or the second store, the store clerk or user shall input to the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40 which one of the settlement service provider app or the first store app was used. When settlement can be performed only by an operation on the user terminal 20, information indicating which one of the settlement service provider app or the first store app was used shall be transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the electronic money server 10.

[0052] The charge information is information regarding the history of charges executed in the past. The charge information can also be said to be information indicating how the charged portion that constitutes the balance of the electronic money was charged. The charge information is generated each time a charge is executed and stored in the user database DB1. In the present embodiment, the charge information of the charged portion that has disappeared from the current balance shall also remain in the user database DB1, but this charge information may be deleted from the user database DB1.

[0053] For example, the charge information indicates the charge date and time, the charge method, the charge amount, and the charge means. The charge information may indicate only a part of these, not all of them. For example, the charge information may indicate only one, two, or three of the charge date and time, the charge method, the charge amount, and the charge means. The charge information may indicate other information regarding the charge. For example, the charge information may indicate the position of the user terminal 20 when the charge was executed.

[0054] The charging date and time is the date and time when the charge was executed. The charging method is the method used by the user to execute the charge. The charging method can also be referred to as the charging medium. In this embodiment, since there are two charging methods, namely charging from the settlement operator app and charging at the first store, the charging method included in the charge information indicates either the settlement operator app or the first store. The charging method itself may include other charging methods such as charging executed from a browser or another app, and is not limited to the examples of this embodiment.

[0055] The charging means is the payment means used for the charge. In this embodiment, since charging can be performed using four payment means, namely credit cards, sales proceeds of online free markets, cryptocurrency, and cash, the charging means included in the charge information indicates any of these four payment means. In this embodiment, a case where only cash can be used for charging at the first store will be described, but at the first store, charging using other charging means such as credit cards may also be possible. Various known means can be used as the charging means itself.

[0056] Figure 10 is an example of the settlement database DB2. The settlement database DB2 is a database that stores information related to settlements executed in the past. For example, the settlement database DB2 stores a settlement ID, user ID, settlement date and time, payee, app used, amount used, fee, and kickback amount. Any information related to the settlement may be stored in the settlement database DB2. The information stored in the settlement database DB2 is not limited to the example of Figure 10. For example, information related to the goods purchased by the user or the services used by the user may be stored in the settlement database DB2.

[0057] The settlement ID is an example of settlement identification information that can identify a settlement. Each time a settlement is executed, a new settlement ID is issued so as not to duplicate other settlement IDs. The settlement date and time is the date and time when the settlement was executed. The payee is the person who received the payment by electronic money. In the present embodiment, the payee indicates either the first store or the second store. The payee may indicate another store or a person related to an online service.

[0058] The used app is the app used for the settlement. The fee is the charge received by the settlement operator when a settlement occurs. In the present embodiment, an example is given of the fee for the first operating company or the second operating company, but the fee may be a fee for another company or a person related to an online service. For another example, if it is an electronic money of a type in which the user himself / herself bears the fee instead of a franchisee, the fee may be incurred for the user. The kickback amount is the amount of the kickback for the first operating company. In the example of FIG. 10, the numerical value of N, which is the ratio of the fee, is 1, and the numerical value of M is 0.5. The kickback ratio is 0.5 of the difference between N and M.

[0059] FIG. 11 is an example of priority data DT. The priority data DT is data regarding the priority indicating which charge portion to use when a plurality of charge portions are mixed in the balance of the electronic money. For example, the settlement condition, the priority, and the charge condition are defined in the priority data DT. The settlement condition is a condition regarding the settlement. In the example of FIG. 11, the settlement condition indicates the app used by the user. The settlement condition may be other conditions such as the franchisee used by the user, the usage amount, or the usage date and time, or a combination of these plurality of conditions. For example, when a certain settlement condition is satisfied, the charge portion indicated by the charge condition is used in descending order of the priority associated with this settlement condition.

[0060] In the example of FIG. 11, for payment conditions such as "using the payment service provider app", a priority is associated so that the charge amount from the payment service provider app is higher than the charge amount from the first store app. For payment conditions such as "the first store app is used", a priority is associated so that the charge amount at the first store is higher than the charge amount from the payment service provider app. When the remaining balance of the electronic money contains charge amounts of multiple charges executed from the payment service provider app, the older the charge date and time, the higher the priority. Similarly, when the remaining balance of the electronic money contains charge amounts of multiple charges at the first store, the older the charge date and time, the higher the priority.

[0061] Note that the data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 100 can store any data. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store a store database in which information about the first store and information about the second store are stored. It is assumed that the store database also stores information about each of the first store terminal 30 and the second store terminal 40.

[0062] For example, the data storage unit 100 may store app identification information for each of the payment service provider app and the first store app. In the present embodiment, the data storage unit 100 stores app identification information indicating that the upper four digits of the code ID are "1111" mean the payment service provider app. The data storage unit 100 stores app identification information indicating that the upper four digits of the code ID are "9999" mean the first store app.

[0063] [Charge Execution Unit] The charge execution unit 101 executes a charge related to the electronic money available for the payment service. For example, when the charge execution unit 101 receives a charge request from the user terminal 20 or the first store terminal 30, it executes a charge based on the charge request. The charge request is data in a predetermined format for requesting a charge. The data format of the charge request itself can use a format adopted by known electronic money. The charge request may be transmitted from a computer other than the user terminal 20 and the first store terminal 30.

[0064] First, the flow of the charge when the charge request is received from the user terminal 20 will be described. For example, the charge request from the user terminal 20 includes a code ID, a charge amount, and information regarding the charge means. The charge request may include other user identification information other than the code ID. In this embodiment, since the first store app cannot transmit a charge request, when the electronic money server 10 receives a charge request from the user terminal 20, it can identify that the charge method is the payment service provider app.

[0065] For example, when the charge execution unit 101 receives a charge request from the user terminal 20, it executes the settlement necessary for the charge based on the charge means indicated by the charge request. This settlement itself can use known processes such as credit card settlement. The charge execution unit 101 increases the balance associated with the code ID included in the charge request in the user database DB1 by the charge amount included in the charge request.

[0066] For example, the charge execution unit 101 generates charge information so as to indicate the charge date and time indicating the current date and time, the charge method indicating the payment service provider app, the charge amount included in the charge request, and the charge means such as the credit card used for the charge. The charge execution unit 101 stores the generated charge information in the user database DB1 in association with the code ID included in the charge request.

[0067] The charge request may be transmitted from the first store app or another app. In this case, the charge request from the user terminal 20 includes information that can identify which app the charge request is from. This information may be app identification information, such as the first four digits of a code ID, or other information. The charge execution unit 101 may identify the charge method based on this information.

[0068] Next, a description will be given of the flow of charging when a charge request is received from the first store terminal 30. For example, a code ID and a charge amount are indicated in the charge request from the first store terminal 30. In this embodiment, since charging cannot be performed even if the payment service provider app is presented at the first store, when the electronic money server 10 receives a charge request from the first store terminal 30, it can identify that the charge is a cash charge at the first store.

[0069] For example, when the charge execution unit 101 receives a charge request from the first store terminal 30, it increases the balance in the user database DB1 associated with the code ID included in the charge request by the charge amount included in the charge request. In this embodiment, since the user pays in cash at the first store, the charge execution unit 101 does not execute payment for the charge.

[0070] For example, the charge execution unit 101 generates charge information to indicate a charge date and time indicating the current date and time, a charge method indicating the first store, a charge amount included in the charge request, and a charge means indicating cash. The charge execution unit 101 stores the generated charge information in the user database DB1 in association with the code ID included in the charge request.

[0071] In addition, for charging at the first store, other charging means than cash, such as a credit card or a debit card, may be available. In this case, it is assumed that the charge request from the first store terminal 30 includes information that can identify which charging means has been selected. The charge execution unit 101 may identify the charging means based on this information.

[0072] Also, when charging is possible at a plurality of first stores, it is assumed that the charge request includes store identification information that can identify the first store. For example, the store identification information is a store ID, a store name, a terminal ID, a terminal name, or an IP address. Furthermore, charging at the second store may be enabled. In this case, it is assumed that the charge request from the second store terminal 40 includes store identification information that can identify the second store. The charge execution unit 101 may identify from which first store or second store the charge request is based on the store identification information included in the charge request.

[0073] In this embodiment, the case where the charge execution unit 101 records the charge information in the electronic money server 10 in association with a user ID that can identify a user who holds electronic money will be described. However, the charge information may be recorded in a server other than the electronic money server 10. Furthermore, the charge information may be recorded in the user terminal 20. If it is electronic money of the type that uses an IC card, the charge information may be recorded in the IC card.

[0074] [Settlement Execution Unit] The settlement execution unit 102 executes a settlement based on electronic money. For example, when the settlement execution unit 102 receives a settlement request from the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40, it executes the settlement based on the settlement request. The data format of the settlement request itself can use a format adopted by known electronic money. The settlement request may be transmitted from a computer other than the user terminal 20 and the first store terminal 30.

[0075] For example, a settlement request includes store identification information, a code ID, and the amount used. The settlement request may also include other information such as information about the goods purchased by the user or the services used by the user. When the settlement execution unit 102 receives a settlement request from the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40, it reduces the balance of the electronic money associated with the code ID included in the settlement request by the amount used included in the settlement request. If the balance of the electronic money is insufficient, an error occurs and the settlement is not executed. The settlement execution unit 102 transmits the settlement execution result to the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40 based on the store identification information included in the settlement request. The execution result is displayed on the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the electronic money may have a charged amount at the charging store and a charged amount by other charges. The charging store is the store where the charge is executed. Other charges are charges by a charging method other than the charging store. In the present embodiment, the charging store is the first store. Other charges are charges from the settlement operator application. When charging is possible at the second store or other stores, the second store or other stores may correspond to the charging store. When charging is possible from the first store application, other applications, or a browser, these charges may correspond to other charges.

[0077] In the examples of FIGS. 5 to 7, the electronic money has a charged amount of "3,000" at the first store, which is the charging store, and a charged amount of "2,000" from the settlement operator application, which is other charges. For example, when the charging store and the using store are related, the settlement execution unit 102 may execute the settlement so that the priority of the charged amount at the charging store is higher than when the charging store and the using store are not related.

[0078] The using store is a franchise store that accepts payments using electronic money. The charging store and the using store are related if the charging store and the using store are the same, or if the charging store and the using store are different but belong to the same store group. For example, a franchise chain corresponds to a store group. For example, the same operating company means belonging to the same store group. The charging store and the using store are not related if the charging store and the using store are different, or if the charging store and the using store do not belong to the same store group.

[0079] For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the charge amount of "3,000" at the first store, which is the charging store, and the other charge amount of "2,000" are mixed in the electronic money. When the using store is the first store, the settlement execution unit 102 may set the priority of the charge amount at the first store higher than that of the other charge amounts. The settlement execution unit 102 may execute the settlement so that the charge amount of "3,000" at the first store is preferentially used.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 6, when the usage amount of the user is less than or equal to the charge amount of "3,000" at the first store, the settlement execution unit 102 executes the settlement so that only the charge amount at the first store is used without using the other charge amount of "2,000". When the usage amount of the user is more than the charge amount of "3,000" at the first store, the settlement execution unit 102 executes the settlement so that all of the charge amount of "3,000" at the first store is used and only the insufficient amount of the other charge amount of "2,000" is used.

[0081] In the example of the priority data DT in FIG. 11, the type of the application is defined as a settlement condition. The settlement execution unit 102 identifies the type of the application based on the code ID included in the settlement request, and identifies the settlement conditions that are satisfied among the settlement conditions defined in the priority data DT. The settlement execution unit 102 executes the settlement so that the charge amount with a relatively high priority is preferentially used based on the priority associated with the identified settlement condition.

[0082] [Application specific section] The application identification unit 103 identifies a used application, which is an application used by the user, from among the plurality of applications. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the payment service provider application and the first store application correspond to the plurality of applications, but electronic money may also be used in other applications. For example, if the payment service provider concludes an OEM contract not only with the first operating company but also with a second operating company or another company, there may be an application distributed under the name of the second operating company or another company. A used application is an application used for payment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the electronic money can be used in each of multiple apps installed on the user terminal 20 of the user who owns the electronic money. Furthermore, the apps can be identified by the first four digits of the code ID. For example, the app identifying unit 103 identifies the app to be used based on the first four digits of the code ID included in the payment request. The first four digits of the code ID are an example of app identification information. The app identification information may be any other information, and the app identifying unit 103 may identify the app to be used based on the app identification information.

[0084] [Store Identification Department] The use-store identification unit 104 identifies the use store, which is the store where the electronic money was used, from among the multiple stores. In this embodiment, the electronic money can be used at each of the multiple stores. Although a case will be described in which the first store and the second store correspond to multiple stores, the electronic money may also be used at other stores. For example, the use-store identification unit 104 identifies the use store based on store identification information received from each of the first store terminal 30 and the second store terminal 40. The store identification information may be transmitted as information separate from the payment request.

[0085] In the case of a payment method where all the operations necessary for payment are completed only by operating the user terminal 20, the user terminal 20 shall transmit the store identification information to the electronic money server 10. In this case, a list of stores where electronic money can be used is displayed on the user terminal 20, and the user selects the store to be used from the list. In the case of payment by reading a code at the store, it is assumed that the store identification information is encoded. The store identification unit may identify the store to be used based on the store identification information received from the user terminal 20.

[0086] [Charge Information Acquisition Unit] The charge information acquisition unit 105 acquires charge information related to charging. When a payment is executed, the charge information acquisition unit 105 acquires the charge information for the amount charged in the payment. In the present embodiment, since the charge information is stored in the user database DB1, the charge information acquisition unit 105 acquires the charge information stored in the user database DB1. When the charge information is stored in another database, the charge information acquisition unit 105 acquires the charge information stored in the other database. When the charge information is stored in another computer other than the electronic money server 10 or an information storage medium such as an IC card, the charge information acquisition unit 105 acquires the charge information stored in the other computer or information storage medium.

[0087] [Processing Execution Unit] When a payment based on electronic money is executed, the processing execution unit 106 executes processing according to the charge information. This charge information is the charge information for the amount charged in the payment. When a payment based on electronic money is executed means the time after the payment is executed. The processing according to the charge information is processing executed based on the charge information. In other words, the processing according to the charge information is processing whose content changes depending on the content of the charge information.

[0088] In this embodiment, the charge information indicates the charging store where the charging was performed. The processing execution unit 106 executes processing according to the charge information based on the relevance between the charging store and the usage store. For example, the processing execution unit 106 performs different processing according to the charge information depending on whether the charging store and the usage store are related or not. For example, the processing execution unit 106 may execute the processing according to the charge information when the charging store and the usage store are related, and may not execute the processing according to the charge information when the charging store and the usage store are not related.

[0089] In this embodiment, as an example of the processing according to the charge information, processing in which some merit (profit) occurs in the charging store will be described. Further, as a specific example of this processing, the fee processing and the kickback processing will be described. Therefore, the parts describing the fee processing and the kickback processing can be read as the processing according to the charge information. The processing according to the charge information may be other processing and is not limited to the examples of this embodiment. Other examples of the processing according to the charge information will be described in the modification examples below.

[0090] The fee processing is processing for calculating a fee. The fee processing may include not only the calculation of the fee but also other processing such as the billing of the fee. The fee processing may include the billing of the fee as processing without including the calculation of the fee. It is assumed that the fee calculation method data indicating the method of calculating the fee is stored in the data storage unit 100. The fee calculation method data may be in any format, for example, in a table format, a mathematical formula format, or a part of program code.

[0091] For example, the processing execution unit 106 executes a fee process based on the charge information and the fee calculation method data, thereby executing a process according to the charge information. The fee calculation method data is defined such that at least one of the calculation formula and the coefficient used in the fee calculation differs according to the charge information. The processing execution unit 106 determines at least one of the calculation formula and the coefficient indicated by the fee calculation method data based on the charge information and calculates the fee.

[0092] For example, when the charging store and the using store are related, the processing execution unit 106 executes, as a process according to the charge information, a fee process that reduces the settlement fee compared to the case where the charging store and the using store are not related. In the present embodiment, the processing execution unit 106 determines that the fee rate when the charging store and the using store are related is M%, and determines that the fee rate when the charging store and the using store are not related is N%.

[0093] Note that when the fee is a fixed value instead of a ratio to the usage amount, the processing execution unit 106 may determine that the fee when the charging store and the using store are related is a fixed value of X (X is an arbitrary natural number) yen, and determine that the fee when the charging store and the using store are not related is a fixed value of Y (Y is an integer larger than X) yen. The fee may be the total value of a fixed value and a variable value according to the usage amount.

[0094] The kickback process is a process for executing a kickback. For example, the kickback process is a process for calculating a kickback amount. The kickback process may include not only the calculation of the kickback amount but also other processes such as bank transfer for the kickback. The kickback process may include other processes without including the calculation of the kickback amount. It is assumed that the kickback amount calculation method data indicating the calculation method of the kickback amount is stored in the data storage unit 100. The kickback amount calculation method data may be in any format, for example, table format, mathematical formula format, or a part of program code.

[0095] For example, the processing execution unit 106 executes a kickback process based on the charge information and the kickback amount calculation method data, thereby executing a process according to the charge information. When the charging store and the using store are not related, the processing execution unit 106 executes a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charging store as a process according to the charge information.

[0096] For example, the processing execution unit 106 executes a kickback process so that a kickback amount corresponding to the usage amount is kicked back. In the present embodiment, when the charging store and the using store are related, a fee process is executed, so it is assumed that the kickback process is not executed. However, the processing execution unit 106 may also execute a kickback process even when the charging store and the using store are related.

[0097] Note that the kickback amount calculation method data may be defined so that at least one of the calculation formula and the coefficient used in the calculation of the kickback amount differs according to the charge information. In this case, the processing execution unit 106 may calculate the kickback amount by determining at least one of the calculation formula and the coefficient indicated by the kickback amount calculation method data based on the charge information. The kickback amount is calculated to be an amount corresponding to the charge information.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the electronic money can be charged by each of a plurality of charging means. The charge information indicates the charging means used for charging among the plurality of charging means. The processing execution unit 106 may execute a process according to the charging means indicated by the charge information for the charged portion used in the settlement. For example, when the charge information indicates a specific charging means, the processing execution unit 106 executes a specific process, and when the charge information does not indicate a specific charging means, the processing execution unit 106 does not execute a specific process.

[0099] In this embodiment, a case where the specific charging means is cash will be described. However, the specific charging means may be any predetermined charging means and is not limited to cash. For example, the specific charging means may be a credit card, the sales amount of an online free market, or a cryptocurrency. Also, as an example of the specific processing, the case where the fee processing and the kickback processing correspond to the specific processing will be given. However, the specific processing may be any processing executed by the processing execution unit 106 and is not limited to the fee processing and the kickback processing. For example, the privilege granting processing described in the modification example below may correspond to the specific processing.

[0100] For example, the processing execution unit 106 may vary the content of the processing it executes depending on whether the charge information indicates the specific charging means or not. When the fee processing and the kickback processing are executed in both of these cases, the processing execution unit 106 may vary at least one of the processing contents (for example, at least one of the fee calculation method and the kickback amount calculation method) of the fee processing and the kickback processing depending on whether the charge information indicates the specific charging means or not.

[0101] In this embodiment, the electronic money can be charged at each of a plurality of stores. The charge information indicates the charge store, which is the store where the charging was performed, among the plurality of stores. In the example of FIG. 9, the charge store is shown in the charging method. The processing execution unit 106 executes processing according to the charge store indicated by the charge information. For example, the processing execution unit 106 executes specific processing when the charge information indicates a specific charge store and does not execute the specific processing when the charge information does not indicate a specific charge store.

[0102] In this embodiment, the specific charging store is the first store, but the specific charging store may be any predetermined affiliated store and is not limited to the first store. For example, if charging is also possible at a second store or another store, the specific charging store may be the second store or another store. As mentioned above, examples are given of cases where fee processing and kickback processing correspond to specific processing, but specific processing is not limited to fee processing and kickback processing.

[0103] For example, the processing execution unit 106 may change the content of the processing it executes depending on whether the charging information indicates a specific charging store or not. If fee processing and kickback processing are executed in both of these cases, the processing execution unit 106 may change the processing content of at least one of the fee processing and kickback processing (for example, at least one of the method of calculating the fee and the method of calculating the kickback amount) depending on whether the charging information indicates a specific charging store or not.

[0104] For example, the process execution unit 106 may execute a process according to the charge information based on the application being used. The process execution unit 106 executes the specific process when the application being used is a specific application, and does not execute the specific process when the application being used is not a specific application. In this embodiment, the specific application is a first store application, but the specific application may be any predetermined application and is not limited to the first store application. For example, if a payment service provider provides multiple applications, the specific application may be at least one of the multiple applications. For example, the specific application may not be an application developed by the payment service provider under an OEM contract, but may be an application independently developed by the first operating company. As described above, the specific application includes commission processing and kickback processing, but the specific application is not limited to commission processing and kickback processing.

[0105] For example, the processing execution unit 106 may vary the content of the processing it performs depending on whether the application in use is a specific application or not. When the fee processing and the kickback processing are both executed in both of these cases, the processing execution unit 106 may vary at least one of the processing contents of the fee processing and the kickback processing (for example, at least one of the calculation method of the fee and the calculation method of the kickback amount) depending on whether the application in use is a specific application or not.

[0106] For example, the processing execution unit 106 may execute processing according to the charge information based on the store in use. The processing execution unit 106 executes specific processing when the store in use is a specific store, and does not execute specific processing when the store in use is not a specific store. In the present embodiment, the case where the specific stores are the first store and the second store will be described, but the specific store may be any predetermined application, and may be either only one of the first store or the second store or another store. As described above, taking the case where the fee processing and the kickback processing correspond to specific processing as an example, the specific processing is not limited to the fee processing and the kickback processing.

[0107] For example, the processing execution unit 106 may vary the content of the processing it performs depending on whether the store in use is a specific store or not. When the fee processing and the kickback processing are both executed in both of these cases, the processing execution unit 106 may vary at least one of the processing contents of the fee processing and the kickback processing (for example, at least one of the calculation method of the fee and the calculation method of the kickback amount) depending on whether the store in use is a specific store or not.

[0108] [3-2. Functions Realized by the User Terminal] The user terminal 20 includes a data storage unit 200 and a charge request unit 201. The data storage unit 200 is realized by the storage unit 22. The charge request unit 201 is realized by the control unit 21.

[0109] [Data storage unit] The data storage unit 200 stores data necessary for using the payment service. For example, the data storage unit 300 stores the payment service provider app and the first store app.

[0110] [Charge request unit] The charge request unit 201 sends a charge request to the electronic money server 10. For example, when the user selects the button B32 on the charge screen SC3, the charge request unit 201 sends a charge request to the electronic money server 10.

[0111] [3-3. Functions realized by the first store terminal] The first store terminal 30 includes a data storage unit 300, a charge request unit 301, and a payment request unit 302. The data storage unit 300 is realized by the storage unit 32. The charge request unit 301 and the payment request unit 302 are realized by the control unit 31.

[0112] [Data storage unit] The data storage unit 300 stores data necessary for providing the payment service. For example, the data storage unit 300 stores store identification information and app identification information.

[0113] [Charge request unit] The charge request unit 301 sends a charge request to the electronic money server 10. For example, when a charging operation is performed on the first store terminal 30 and the code C51 of the first store app is read, the charge request unit 301 sends a charge request to the electronic money server 10.

[0114] [Payment request unit] The payment request unit 302 sends a payment request to the electronic money server 10. For example, when a payment operation is performed on the first store terminal 30 and the code C21 of the payment service provider app or the code C51 of the first store app is read, the payment request unit 302 sends a payment request to the electronic money server 10.

[0115] [Functions Implemented on the Second Store Terminal] The second store terminal 40 includes a data storage unit 400 and a settlement request unit 401. The data storage unit 400 is realized by the storage unit 42. The settlement request unit 401 is realized by the control unit 41.

[0116] [Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 400 stores data necessary for providing a settlement service. For example, the data storage unit 400 stores store identification information and application identification information.

[0117] [Settlement Request Unit] The settlement request unit 401 sends a settlement request to the electronic money server 10. For example, when an operation for settlement is performed on the second store terminal 40 and the code C21 of the settlement service provider application or the code C51 of the first store application is read, the settlement request unit 401 sends a settlement request to the electronic money server 10.

[0118] [4. Processes Executed in the Settlement System] Next, an example of the process executed in the settlement system 1 will be described. In this embodiment, a charge process, which is a process at the time of charging, and a settlement process, which is a process at the time of settlement, will be described.

[0119] [4-1. Charge Process] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the charge process. The charge process is executed by the control units 11, 21, and 31 operating according to programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32, respectively.

[0120] 12, when a user performs an operation to start up the user terminal 20 from the operation unit 24, the user terminal 20 starts up itself and displays the home screen SC1 of the user terminal 20 on the display unit 25 (S100). The user terminal 20 identifies the user's operation based on a detection signal from the operation unit 24 (S101). Here, it is assumed that an operation to select icon I10, an operation to select icon I11, or another operation is performed. When another operation is performed (S101: Other), a process corresponding to the other operation is executed, and the charging process ends.

[0121] In S101, when the icon I10 is selected (S101:I10), the user terminal 20 starts the payment service provider app and displays the home screen SC2 of the payment service provider app on the display unit 25 (S102). In S102, a login process is executed between the electronic money server 10 and the user terminal 20 based on information such as a user ID and password. The electronic money server 10 issues a code ID whose first four digits begin with "1111", indicating that it is a payment service provider app, and stores the code ID in the user database DB1. The electronic money server 10 transmits the issued code ID to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 encodes the code ID and displays the home screen SC2. The user terminal 20 also acquires information such as the balance of electronic money from the electronic money server 10 as appropriate.

[0122] When the user selects the button B22, the user terminal 20 executes charging with the electronic money server 10 (S103), and the charging process ends. In S103, a series of processes are executed, such as displaying a charging screen SC3, displaying a completion screen SC4, updating the balance of electronic money, and storing charging information. These processes themselves may be the same as known charging processes.

[0123] In S101, when the icon I11 is selected (S101: I11), the user terminal 20 launches the first store app and displays the home screen SC5 of the first store app on the display unit 25 (S104). In S104, a login process based on information such as the user ID and password is executed between the electronic money server 10 and the user terminal 20. The electronic money server 10 issues a code ID whose upper four digits indicating that it is the first store app start with "9999" and stores it in the user database DB1. The electronic money server 10 transmits the issued code ID to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 encodes the code ID and displays the home screen SC5. The user terminal 20 shall also appropriately obtain information such as the balance of the electronic money from the electronic money server 10.

[0124] The user tells the clerk of the first store to recharge and hands over cash. When the clerk receives the cash from the user, the clerk reads the code C51 with the first reading device 36. The clerk shall perform an operation on the first store terminal 30 that means recharge rather than settlement. As a result, a recharge request rather than a settlement request will be transmitted. The first store terminal 30 extracts the code ID from the code C51 read by the first reading device 36 (S105). The first store terminal 30 executes a recharge with the electronic money server 10 based on the code ID extracted in S105 (S106), and the recharge process ends.

[0125] In S106, the first store terminal 30 transmits a recharge request including the code ID to the electronic money server 10. The electronic money server 10 identifies which user is trying to recharge in cash based on the code ID included in the recharge request. The electronic money server 10 executes the recharge by increasing the balance associated with the user ID of the identified user by the recharge amount included in the recharge request. The electronic money server 10 generates recharge information indicating that a cash recharge has been executed at the first store and stores it in the user database DB1.

[0126] [4-2. Settlement Process] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a settlement process. This process is executed by the control units 11, 21, 31, and 41 operating according to programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, 32, and 42, respectively.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 13, the processes of S200 to S203 are the same as those of S100 to S102 and S104, respectively. When the home screen SC2 or the home screen SC5 is displayed in S202 or S203 and the code C21 or the code C51 is read by the first reading device 36 or the second reading device 46, the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40 extracts the code ID from the code C21 or the code C51 (S204).

[0128] The first store terminal 30 transmits a settlement request including the code ID extracted in S204 to the electronic money server 10 (S205). When the electronic money server 10 receives the settlement request (S206), it executes the settlement based on the user database DB1 and the priority data DT (S207). In S207, the electronic money server 10 identifies how the charged portion that constitutes the balance of the electronic money was charged based on the charge information. The electronic money server 10 executes the settlement so that the charged portions are used in descending order of the priority defined in the priority data DT.

[0129] The electronic money server 10 identifies the application used by the user based on the upper four digits of the code ID (S208). When the use of the settlement service provider application is identified (S208: settlement service provider application), the electronic money server 10 calculates a commission fee to be N% and stores it in the settlement database DB2 (S209), and the settlement process ends. In this case, no kickback is generated for the first store. In S208, when the use of the first store application is identified (S208: first store application), the electronic money server 10 determines whether the settlement was executed at the first store based on the store identification information included in the settlement request (S210).

[0130] When it is determined that the settlement has been executed at the second store (S210: N), the process of S211 similar to S209 is executed. Based on the settlement execution result in S207, the electronic money server 10 determines whether the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has been used for the settlement at the second store (S212). If it is determined that the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has not been used for the settlement (S212: N), the settlement process ends. In this case, no kickback occurs.

[0131] In S212, when it is determined that the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has been used for the settlement at the second store (S212: Y), the electronic money server 10 executes a kickback process for kicking back to the first operating company (S213), and the settlement process ends. In S211, the electronic money server 10 determines the kickback amount and stores it in the settlement database DB2. The kickback to the first operating company may be executed immediately or may be executed when a predetermined date arrives. The process itself for realizing the kickback can use known processes.

[0132] In S210, when it is determined that the settlement has been executed at the first store (S210: Y), the electronic money server 10 determines whether the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has been used for the settlement at the first store based on the settlement execution result in S207 (S214). If it is determined that the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has not been used for the settlement (S214: N), the process proceeds to S209. If it is determined that the charged amount of the charge executed at the first store has been used for the settlement (S214: Y), the electronic money server 10 calculates a commission fee to be M% and stores it in the settlement database DB2 (S215), and the settlement process ends.

[0133] In this embodiment, the payment system 1 executes processing according to the charge information when a payment based on electronic money is made. This allows post-payment processing to change depending on the charge information, thereby increasing the flexibility of the payment service. For example, assume that the first store is not a member of the payment service. In this case, the payment service provider explains the mechanism of this embodiment to the first operating company. Because the payment service of this embodiment is highly flexible, it increases the likelihood that the first operating company will adopt the payment service. For example, fee processing and kickback processing directly benefit the first operating company, particularly increasing the likelihood that the first operating company will be interested in the payment service. Therefore, increasing the flexibility of the payment service can promote the adoption of the payment service. Promoting the adoption of the payment service can also promote payments using electronic money. For example, if the charge amount from the payment service provider app and the charge amount executed at the first store are managed using a common balance, the effort required for users to manage their balances can be reduced.

[0134] Furthermore, the payment system 1 executes processing according to the charging method indicated by the charging information. This increases the flexibility of the payment service, as the processing after the payment is executed changes depending on the charging method. For example, flexible processing becomes possible, such as lowering the handling fee when the amount charged with a specific charging method (in this embodiment, the cash paid for charging at the first store) is used. As a result, charging using a specific charging method can be promoted.

[0135] Furthermore, the payment system 1 executes processing according to the charging store indicated by the charging information. This increases the flexibility of the payment service, as the processing after the payment is executed varies depending on the charging store. For example, flexible processing becomes possible, such as reducing the handling fee when the charge amount at a specific charging store (the first store in this embodiment) is used. As a result, charging at specific charging stores can be promoted. By promoting charging at charging stores, the charging store's effectiveness in attracting customers increases.

[0136] In addition, the payment system 1 records charge information in the electronic money server 10 in association with the user ID. As a result, the charge information of various users can be collectively managed by the electronic money server 10. For example, when recording charge information on individual IC cards, there is a risk of forgery of the charge information, but by managing the charge information in the electronic money server 10, the risk of forgery is reduced.

[0137] In addition, the payment system 1 executes processing according to the charge information based on the usage application. As a result, since the processing after the payment is executed changes according to the usage application, the flexibility of the payment service is enhanced. For example, flexible processing such as reducing the fee when electronic money is used from a specific usage application (in this embodiment, the first store application) becomes possible. As a result, the use of a specific usage application can be promoted. For example, by promoting the use of the first store application, the effect of attracting customers to the first store is enhanced. For example, it is also possible to motivate those who use the first store but do not use the payment service to start using the payment service.

[0138] In addition, the payment system 1 executes processing according to the charge information based on the store used. As a result, the flexibility of the payment service is enhanced. Since the processing after the payment is executed changes according to the store used, the flexibility of the payment service is enhanced. For example, flexible processing such as reducing the fee when electronic money is used from a specific store used (in this embodiment, the first store) becomes possible. As a result, it becomes easier to encourage stores that have not yet introduced the payment service to consider introducing the payment service. The use of electronic money in a specific store used can be promoted. The effect of attracting customers to a specific store used is also enhanced.

[0139] In addition, the settlement system 1 executes processing according to the charge information based on the relevance between the charging store and the using store. As a result, since the processing after the settlement is executed changes according to the relevance between the charging store and the using store, the flexibility of the settlement service is enhanced. For example, flexible processing such as reducing the fee when the charging store and the using store are related becomes possible. The effect of attracting customers to the using stores related to the charging store is also enhanced.

[0140] In addition, when the charging store and the using store are related, the settlement system 1 executes a fee processing for reducing the settlement fee lower than when the charging store and the using store are not related, as processing according to the charge information. This makes it easier to consider introducing the settlement service to stores that have not yet introduced the settlement service. It becomes easier to use the charged amount at the using stores related to the charging store. For example, in the case of electronic money of the type for which a fee is charged to the user, since the fee for the user is reduced, the use of electronic money can be promoted. The effect of attracting customers to the using stores related to the charging store is also enhanced.

[0141] In addition, when the charging store and the using store are related, the settlement system 1 executes the settlement so that the priority of the charged amount at the charging store becomes higher than when the charging store and the using store are not related. As a result, since the settlement is executed so that some merit is likely to occur, the flexibility of the settlement service is enhanced. For example, it becomes easier to consider introducing the settlement service to stores that have not yet introduced the settlement service.

[0142] In addition, when the charging store and the using store are not related, the settlement system 1 executes a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charging store, as processing according to the charge information. As a result, since the settlement is executed so that the merit of the charging store is likely to occur, the flexibility of the settlement service is enhanced. For example, it becomes easier to consider introducing the settlement service to stores that have not yet introduced the settlement service.

[0143] [5. Modification Example] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0144] [5-1. Modification Example 1] For example, the processing according to the charge information is not limited to the fee processing and the kickback processing described in the embodiment. The processing according to the charge information may be any processing whose content changes depending on the charge information or whose execution or non-execution changes depending on the charge information. In Modification Example 1, as an example of the processing according to the charge information, a privilege granting process in which the processing execution unit 106 grants a privilege to a user who holds electronic money when the charging store and the using store are related is given.

[0145] The privilege is a gratitude for using electronic money. In Modification Example 1, a coupon is described as an example of the privilege. Therefore, the part that describes the coupon can be read as the privilege. The privilege may be anything that generates some benefit for the user and is not limited to the coupon. For example, granting points, increasing the point granting rate according to the usage amount, drawing a lottery at the time of settlement, increasing the winning rate of the lottery at the time of settlement, providing contents such as videos or music, or executing a process for granting a physical prize (for example, a process for determining a prize or a process for displaying prize information) may correspond to granting a privilege.

[0146] For example, when the charging store and the using store are related, the processing execution unit 106 grants a coupon to the user. When the charging store and the using store are not related, the processing execution unit 106 does not grant a coupon to the user. In Modification Example 1, an example is given in which the processing execution unit 106 grants a coupon that can be used at at least one of the charging store and the using store to the user, but the processing execution unit 106 may grant a coupon that can be used at other stores or online services other than the charging store and the using store to the user.

[0147] Note that as for the method of granting coupons itself, known methods can be used. For example, the processing execution unit 106 may grant coupons on the settlement service provider app, the first store app, or other apps, or may grant coupons using a browser or email. For example, the processing execution unit 106 may grant coupons even when the charging store and the using store are not related. In this case, when the charging store and the using store are related, the processing execution unit 106 grants better coupons than when the charging store and the using store are not related. A good coupon means a large benefit to the user. For example, a good coupon means a high discount rate of the coupon or a large number of coupons.

[0148] The settlement system 1 of Modification Example 1 executes, as a process according to the charge information, a privilege granting process of granting a privilege to a user who holds electronic money when the charging store and the using store are related. Thereby, it is possible to give the user an incentive to use the amount charged at the charging store at the using store related to the charging store. As a result, the customer attraction effect of the using store related to the charging store is enhanced.

[0149] [5-2. Modification Example 2] For example, assume that the first store "A Store" belongs to a store group. In this case, there are a plurality of first stores. Each of the plurality of first stores has the first store terminal 30 described in the embodiment. The functions realized by each individual first store terminal 30 are as described in the embodiment. For example, at each of a plurality of first stores such as "A Store C" and "A Store D", charging using cash may be possible, and electronic money may also be available.

[0150] The processing execution unit 106 of Modification Example 2 differentiates the processing depending on whether the charging store and the using store are the same or whether the charging store and the using store are not the same but belong to a common store group. For example, when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is also "A Store C", the processing execution unit 106 executes a fee processing so that the fee is L% (L is a positive number or 0 smaller than M) of the usage amount. On the other hand, when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is "A Store D" (that is, when the store group is the same but the stores themselves are different), the processing execution unit 106 executes a fee processing so that the fee is M% of the usage amount.

[0151] For example, when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is also "A Store C", the processing execution unit 106 executes a privilege granting process of granting a coupon to the user. On the other hand, when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is "A Store D", the processing execution unit 106 does not execute the privilege granting process. The processing execution unit 106 may execute a privilege granting process of granting a better coupon when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is also "A Store C" than when the charging store is "A Store C" and the using store is "A Store D".

[0152] The settlement system 1 of Modification Example 2 differentiates the processing depending on whether the charging store and the using store are the same or whether the charging store and the using store are not the same but belong to a common store group. Thereby, the flexibility of the settlement service is further enhanced. For example, the customer attraction effect for the charging store is enhanced. The first store can also hold a campaign such as allowing the charge amount in its own store to be used in its own store rather than in other stores in the series.

[0153] [5-3. Modification Example 3] For example, as described in the embodiment, the processing execution unit 106 executes a fee process for calculating a fee related to settlement as a process according to the charge information. The fee process may be executed based on the charge information, and is not limited to the example of the embodiment. For example, among the items included in the charge information, the fee process may be executed based on only one of the charge means and the charge store, rather than both the charge means and the charge store.

[0154] For example, when the charge amount of a specific charge means is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee process for reducing the fee regardless of the charge store and the usage store. In this case, when the charge amount of a specific charge means is used, the fee is reduced regardless of which charge store and which usage store it is, so the charge by the specific charge means can be promoted.

[0155] For example, when the charge amount at a specific charge store is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee process for reducing the fee regardless of the charge means and the usage store. In this case, when the charge amount at a specific charge store is used, the fee is reduced regardless of which charge means and which usage store it is, so the charge at the specific charge store can be promoted.

[0156] Note that the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee process for reducing the fee based on other elements other than the charge means and the charge store in the charge information. For example, when the charge amount at a specific charge date and time is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee process for reducing the fee. In this case, the charge can be dispersed to a specific time period when the processing load of the electronic money server 10 is low, such as at night.

[0157] For example, when the charge amount of a specific charge is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee processing for reducing the fee. In this case, it is possible to promote charges with a charge amount of a certain amount or more, such as 10,000 yen or more. For example, when charging is enabled in a plurality of applications and the application identification information of the application in which the charge was made is included in the charge information, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee processing for reducing the fee when the charge amount of a specific application is used. In this case, it is possible to promote the use of a specific application.

[0158] The settlement system 1 of Modification 3 executes the fee processing as processing according to the charge information. Thereby, the flexibility of the fee in the settlement service is enhanced. For example, since there is a merit for stores that have not yet introduced the settlement service, it becomes easier to consider introducing the settlement service. For example, it becomes easier to use the charged amount of the charge executed at the charging store at the using store related to the charging store. For example, in the case of electronic money of a type in which a fee is charged to the user, since the fee for the user is reduced, the use of the electronic money can be promoted.

[0159] [5-4. Modification 4] For example, as described in the embodiment, when the electronic money has a charged amount for each of a plurality of charging methods, the settlement execution unit 102 executes the settlement based on the priority associated with each of the plurality of charging methods. Not only the charging method but also other conditions such as the charging store, the using store, and the charging date and time may be related to the priority. For example, the settlement execution unit 102 may determine the priority based only on the charging method.

[0160] For example, regardless of the charge store, the usage store, and the charge date and time, the settlement execution unit 102 may determine the priority so that the charge amount by a specific charging method is preferentially used. The settlement execution unit 102 may determine the priority based on either the charging method and one of the charge store or the usage store, regardless of the charge date and time. The settlement execution unit 102 may determine the priority based on the charging method and the charge date and time, regardless of the charge store and the usage store.

[0161] The settlement system 1 of Modification Example 4 executes the settlement based on the priority associated with each of a plurality of charging methods. Thereby, the flexibility regarding which charge amount to use at the time of settlement is enhanced. For example, the priority can be determined so that it is likely to generate benefits for the franchise store or the user. For example, if benefits are generated for a store that has not yet introduced the settlement service, it becomes easier to encourage the store to consider introducing the settlement service.

[0162] [5-5. Modification Example 5] For example, as described in the embodiment, the process execution unit 106 executes a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charge store that is the store where the charge was made, as a process according to the charge information. The kickback process may be executed based on the charge information and is not limited to the example of the embodiment. For example, among the items included in the charge information, the kickback process may be executed based on only one of the charging means or the charge store, rather than both the charging means and the charge store.

[0163] For example, when the charge amount by a specific charging means is used, the process execution unit 106 may execute the kickback process regardless of the charge store and the usage store. In this case, when the charge amount by a specific charging means is used, a kickback occurs regardless of which charge store and which usage store it was, so that the charge by a specific charging means can be promoted.

[0164] For example, when the charge amount at a specific charging store is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback process regardless of the charging means and the store where it is used. In this case, when the charge amount at a specific charging store is used, a kickback will occur regardless of the charging means and the store where it is used, so the charge at the specific charging store can be promoted.

[0165] In addition, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback process based on elements other than the charging means and the charging store in the charge information. For example, when the charge amount at a specific charging date and time is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback process. In this case, charging can be dispersed during a specific time period when the processing load on the electronic money server 10 is low, such as at night.

[0166] For example, when the charge amount of a specific charge is used, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback process. In this case, charging with a certain amount of charge, such as 10,000 yen or more, can be promoted. For example, when charging is enabled with multiple apps and the app identification information of the app where the charge was made is included in the charge information, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback process when the charge amount of a specific app is used. In this case, the use of a specific app can be promoted.

[0167] The settlement system 1 of Modification Example 5 executes a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charging store, which is the store where the charge was made, as a process according to the charge information. Thereby, the flexibility of the kickback in the settlement service is enhanced. For example, if a merit is generated for a store that has not yet introduced the settlement service, it becomes easier to encourage the store to consider introducing the settlement service.

[0168] [5-6. Modification Example 6] For example, as described in Modification 1, the process execution unit 106 executes a privilege granting process for granting a privilege to a user who holds electronic money as a process according to the charge information. The privilege granting process may be executed based on the charge information, and is not limited to the example of Modification 1. For example, among the items included in the charge information, the privilege granting process may be executed based on only one of the charge means or the charge store, rather than both the charge means and the charge store.

[0169] For example, when the charge amount of a specific charge means is used, the process execution unit 106 may execute the privilege granting process regardless of the charge store and the usage store. In this case, when the charge amount of a specific charge means is used, a privilege is granted regardless of which charge store and which usage store it was, so that charging by a specific charge means can be promoted.

[0170] For example, when the charge amount at a specific charge store is used, the process execution unit 106 may execute the privilege granting process regardless of the charge means and the usage store. In this case, when the charge amount at a specific charge store is used, a privilege is granted regardless of which charge means and which usage store it was, so that charging at a specific charge store can be promoted.

[0171] Note that the process execution unit 106 may execute the privilege granting process based on other elements other than the charge means and the charge store in the charge information. For example, when the charge amount at a specific charge date and time is used, the process execution unit 106 may execute the privilege granting process. In this case, charging can be dispersed during a specific time period when the processing load on the electronic money server 10 is low, such as at night.

[0172] For example, when the charge amount of a specific charge is used, the privilege granting process may be executed by the processing execution unit 106. In this case, it is possible to promote charging of a certain amount of charge, such as 10,000 yen or more. For example, when charging is enabled in a plurality of applications and the application identification information of the charged application is included in the charge information, the processing execution unit 106 may execute the privilege granting process when the charge amount of a specific application is used. In this case, the use of a specific application can be promoted.

[0173] The settlement system 1 of Modification 6 executes a privilege granting process for granting a privilege to a user who holds electronic money as a process according to the charge information. Thereby, it is possible to give the user an incentive to charge the electronic money. As a result, the use of electronic money can be promoted.

[0174] [5-7. Modification 7] For example, in the settlement service, a plurality of settlement means such as electronic money and points may be available. In Modification 7, it is assumed that the use of electronic money and points is possible in each of the settlement business operator application and the first store application. The user can select either electronic money or points to execute the settlement. The user can also execute the settlement by using both electronic money and points together. In Modification 7, the case where electronic money and points are provided by the same settlement business operator is described, but electronic money and points may be provided by different settlement business operators.

[0175] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the settlement system 1 in Modification 7. As shown in FIG. 14, the settlement system 1 of Modification 7 includes a point server 50. The point server 50 is a server computer of the settlement business operator. For example, the point server 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The physical configurations of the control unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively.

[0176] Assume that the first store app of Modification Example 7 has a first mode for using the first store and a second mode for using the second store. When the user performs an operation (for example, an operation of selecting some image displayed on the home screen SC5) to switch between the first mode and the second mode from the first store app, the first mode and the second mode are switched. For example, assume that a code ID for points is encoded in the code C51 displayed in the first mode.

[0177] The code ID for points is different from the code ID for electronic money. For example, assume that the upper four digits of the code ID for points are "8888". Based on the upper four digits of the code ID, the first store terminal 30 or the second store terminal 40 can identify whether electronic money or points are about to be used. For example, when the first store terminal 30 reads the code C51 displayed in the first mode with the first reading device 36 to obtain the code ID for points, it sends a settlement request or a charge request to the point server 50 instead of the electronic money server 10.

[0178] For example, when the point server 50 receives a settlement request or a charge request from the first store terminal 30, it sends a settlement request or a charge request to the electronic money server 10. Assume that the code ID for points is also stored in the user database DB1 of the electronic money server 10. When the electronic money server 10 receives a settlement request or a charge request from the point server 50, it executes the settlement or the charge. Although it is different from the embodiment in that the point server 50 mediates the settlement or the charge, the settlement or the charge itself may be performed in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0179] Note that it is assumed that the code ID for electronic money is encoded in the code C51 displayed in the second mode. The processing when the code C51 displayed in the second mode is read is basically the same as that in the embodiment. However, the fees may be different between the first mode and the second mode of the first store app. For example, in the case of the second mode, the fee may be the same as that of the payment service provider app. As in Modification 7, the payment system 1 may adopt a configuration in which the point server 50 mediates payment or charging. According to such a configuration, as the first store, if the mechanism of the point card is introduced, it will be possible to support electronic money as well.

[0180] [5-8. Modification 8] For example, the present disclosure includes configurations that do not assume the configuration for executing the processing according to the charge information described in the embodiment among the configurations described in the embodiment and Modifications 1 to 7. In Modification 8, a configuration that does not assume such a configuration will be described.

[0181] For example, in the embodiment, a payment method capable of charging was taken as an example, but a payment method without the concept of charging may be available in the payment service. Here, the case where a credit card corresponds to the payment method will be taken as an example. For example, when the code C21 of the payment service provider app or the code C51 of the first store app is read, payment using a credit card is executed. This payment itself can utilize known processing.

[0182] In Modification 8, it is assumed that in each of the payment service provider app and the first store app, it is possible to switch between a credit card mode using a credit card and an electronic money mode using electronic money. However, each of the payment service provider app and the first store app may be configured to be able to use only a credit card and not be able to use electronic money. Each of the payment service provider app and the first store app may be configured to be able to use only other payment methods (for example, points, bank accounts, or cryptocurrency) other than credit cards and electronic money.

[0183] For example, even if the payment is made using a credit card, when the first store app is used at the first store, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a fee processing for reducing the fee regardless of the charge information. The fee processing itself is as described in the embodiment. In Modification 8, regardless of the amount of the charge, when the first store app is used at the first store, the fee is reduced. Such a configuration is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0184] For example, even if the payment is made using a credit card, when the first store app is used at the second store, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a kickback processing for generating a kickback to the first store regardless of the charge information. The kickback processing itself is as described in the embodiment. In Modification 8, regardless of the amount of the charge, when the first store app is used at the second store, a kickback occurs. Such a configuration is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0185] For example, even if the payment is made using a credit card, when the first store app is used at the first store, the processing execution unit 106 may execute a privilege granting processing for granting a privilege to the user regardless of the charge information. The privilege granting processing itself is as described in Modification 1. In Modification 8, regardless of the amount of the charge, when the first store app is used at the first store, a privilege is granted to the user. Such a configuration is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0186] Similar to the payment system 1 of Modification 8, by executing at least one of the fee processing, the kickback processing, and the privilege granting processing according to the used app regardless of the charge information, the flexibility of the payment service can be enhanced. For example, the payment system 1 may execute the priority of the charge amount at the time of payment according to the used app, and in this case as well, the flexibility of the payment service is enhanced. In this case, it is assumed that priority data DT indicating the priority is defined for each used app.

[0187] [5-9. Other Modifications] For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined.

[0188] For example, in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 7, the case where both the barcode and the two-dimensional code are displayed has been described. However, only one of the barcode or the two-dimensional code may be displayed. If there are other types of codes other than the barcode or the two-dimensional code, other types of codes may be displayed. For example, the case where the charge amount from the settlement operator app and the charge amount from the first store app are managed with a common balance has been described. However, these charge amounts may be managed with separate balances.

[0189] For example, when the first store app is used at the second store, a fee agreed upon between the first operating company and the second operating company may be incurred. For example, instead of the first store app, electronic money may be used with an IC card or a magnetic card issued in the name of the first operating company. In this case, similar to Modified Example 7, the IC card or the magnetic card may be issued as a point card instead of an electronic money card. By involving the point server 50, even if it is a point card, electronic money can be used.

[0190] For example, when the settlement operator has entered into OEM contracts with both the first operating company and the second operating company, the second store app for the second store may be developed. The second store app is distributed in the name of the second operating company. Similar to the first operating company, the second operating company may not manage its own electronic money, but may use the settlement operator's electronic money from the second store app. In this case, at the second store as well, cash charging may be possible in the same manner as at the first store. Furthermore, merits such as fee processing and kickback processing may also occur for the second operating company. When electronic money is used from the first store app, the charge amount at the first store is preferentially used, and when electronic money is used from the second store app, the charge amount at the second store is preferentially used.

[0191] For example, the settlement operator does not necessarily need to conclude an OEM contract with both the first operating company and the second operating company. In this case, it may be possible to charge at the first store using the settlement operator app. In the settlement service, it may be possible to use only the settlement operator app. Also in this case, by executing processing according to the charge information, the flexibility of the settlement service is enhanced.

[0192] For example, the functions described as being realized by the electronic money server 10 may be shared by a plurality of computers. The functions described as being realized by the electronic money server 10 may be realized by at least one of the user terminal 20, the first store terminal 30, the second store terminal 40, and the point server 50. The functions described above may be realized by at least one computer in the settlement system 1.

[0193] [6. Supplementary Note] For example, the settlement system according to the present disclosure may also have the following configuration. (1) A charge execution unit that executes a charge regarding a settlement means available in the settlement service, A charge information acquisition unit that acquires charge information regarding the charge, A processing execution unit that executes processing according to the charge information when a settlement based on the settlement means is executed, A settlement system including the above. (2) The settlement means can perform the charge with each of a plurality of charge means, The charge information indicates the charge means used in the charge among the plurality of charge means, The processing execution unit executes the processing according to the charge means indicated by the charge information, The settlement system according to (1). (3) The settlement means can be charged at each of a plurality of stores, The charge information indicates a charge store, which is the store where the charge was performed among the plurality of stores. The processing execution unit executes the processing according to the charge store indicated by the charge information. The payment system according to (1) or (2). (4) The charge execution unit records the charge information in the server in association with user identification information that can identify a user who holds the payment means. The payment system according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The payment means is available in each of a plurality of applications installed on a user terminal of a user who holds the payment means. The payment system further includes an application identification unit that identifies a used application, which is the application used by the user among the plurality of applications. The processing execution unit executes the processing based on the used application. The payment system according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The payment means is available in each of a plurality of stores. The payment system further includes a used store identification unit that identifies a used store, which is the store where the payment means was used among the plurality of stores. The processing execution unit executes the processing based on the used store. The payment system according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The charge information indicates a charge store, which is the store where the charge was performed. The processing execution unit executes the processing based on the relevance between the charge store and the used store. The payment system according to (6). (8) When the charge store and the used store are related, the processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a fee processing that lowers a fee related to the payment compared to a case where the charge store and the used store are not related. The settlement system described in (7). (9) The settlement means includes the amount charged at the charging store and the amount charged by other charges. When the charging store and the using store are related, the settlement system further includes a settlement execution unit that executes the settlement so that the priority of the amount charged at the charging store is higher than when the charging store and the using store are not related. The settlement system described in (7) or (8). (10) When the charging store and the using store are not related, the processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charging store. The settlement system according to any one of (7) to (9). (11) When the charging store and the using store are related, the processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a privilege granting process of granting a privilege to the user who holds the settlement means. The settlement system according to any one of (7) to (10). (12) The processing execution unit makes the processing different when the charging store and the using store are the same and when the charging store and the using store are not the same but belong to a common store group. The settlement system according to any one of (7) to (11). (13) The processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a fee process of calculating a fee related to the settlement. The settlement system according to any one of (1) to (12). (14) The settlement means includes the amount charged by each of a plurality of charging methods. The settlement system further includes a settlement execution unit that executes the settlement based on the priority associated with each of the plurality of charging methods. The settlement system according to any one of (1) to (13). (15) The processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a kickback process of giving a kickback to the operating company of the charging store, which is the store where the charging is performed. The settlement system according to any one of (1) to (14). (16) The processing execution unit executes, as the processing, a privilege granting process of granting a privilege to the user who holds the settlement means. The settlement system according to any one of (1) to (15).

Explanation of Signs

[0194] 1 Settlement system, N Network, 10 Electronic money server, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Control unit, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Storage unit, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 Communication unit, 20 User terminal, 24, 34, 44 Operation unit, 25, 35, 45 Display unit, 30 First store terminal, 36 First reading device, 40 Second store terminal, 46 Second reading device, 50 Point server, 100 Data storage unit, 101 Charge execution unit, 102 Settlement execution unit, 103 Application identification unit, 104 Utilization store identification unit, 105 Charge information acquisition unit, 106 Processing execution unit, 200 Data storage unit, 201 Charge request unit, 300 Data storage unit, 301 Charge request unit, 302 Settlement request unit, 400 Data storage unit, 401 Settlement request unit, B22, B31, B32, B40 Button, C21, C51 Code, DB1 User database, DB2 Settlement database, DT Priority data, F30 Input field, I10, I11 Icon, I20 Balance information, SC1 Home screen, SC2 Home screen, SC3 Charge screen, SC4 Completion screen, SC5 Home screen.

Claims

1. When a payment is made using a payment service, a usage app identification unit that identifies a usage app, which is an app used by a user, from among a plurality of apps available in the payment service; When the payment is made, a usage store identification unit that identifies a usage store, which is a store where the usage app was used, from among a plurality of stores; A process execution unit that executes a fee processing for reducing a fee when the first store app, which is the app of the first store that subscribes to the payment service, is used at the first store, based on the usage app and the usage store; A payment system including the above.

2. When a payment is made using a payment service, a usage app identification unit that identifies a usage app, which is an app used by a user, from among a plurality of apps available in the payment service; When the payment is made, a usage store identification unit that identifies a usage store, which is a store where the usage app was used, from among a plurality of stores; A process execution unit that executes a kickback process for generating a kickback to the first store when the first store app, which is the app of the first store that subscribes to the payment service, is used at a second store different from the first store, based on the usage app and the usage store; A payment system including the above.

3. Based on the usage app and the usage store, when the first store app, which is the app of the first store that subscribes to the payment service, is used at the first store, the process execution unit executes a privilege granting process for granting a privilege to the user. The payment system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) contract regarding the payment service is concluded between the payment operator that provides the payment service and the first operating company that operates the first store. The first store app is the app developed by diverting the payment operator app, which is the app of the payment operator under the OEM contract. The payment system according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. When a computer: Performs a usage app identification step of identifying a usage app, which is an app used by a user, from among a plurality of apps available in the payment service when a payment is made using the payment service; When the settlement is executed, a utilization store identification step of identifying a utilization store, which is a store where the utilization application was used, among a plurality of stores; A process execution step of executing a fee processing for reducing a fee when the first store application, which is the application of the first store that subscribes to the settlement service, is used at the first store based on the utilization application and the utilization store; A settlement method for executing the above.

6. A utilization application identification unit that identifies a utilization application, which is an application used by a user, among a plurality of applications available in the settlement service when settlement is executed in the settlement service; A utilization store identification unit that identifies a utilization store, which is a store where the utilization application was used, among a plurality of stores when the settlement is executed; A process execution unit that executes a fee processing for reducing a fee when the first store application, which is the application of the first store that subscribes to the settlement service, is used at the first store based on the utilization application and the utilization store; A program for causing a computer to function as the above.

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